News
In Practice: Updates to referrals for chronic conditions
With recent changes to chronic condition management, GPs are reminded of new referral processes for allied health services.
GPs no longer need to use the old Medicare referral forms for allied health services, with referral letters sufficient.
This week’s In Practice also includes upcoming CPD opportunities on dementia research, integrative medicine and digital health.
Referral letter requirements: Accessing allied health services under CCM changes
Following on from the updated GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP), GPs no longer need to use the old Medicare referral forms for allied health services – a referral letter is sufficient.
As per Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.15.6, this applies to allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (referred under the chronic conditions management arrangements or following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments).
GPs and prescribed medical practitioners can now refer patients with a GPCCMP to allied health services directly. The requirement to consult with at least two collaborating providers, as described under the current Team Care Arrangements (TCA) requirements, was removed on 1 July. The current referral form for allied health services will no longer be required. Referrals will be in the form of referral letters, consistent with referrals to other medical specialists.
The minimum requirements for the letter are available on MBS Online. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and Aboriginal Health Workers should be aware that referrals for service 10950, 81300, 93000, 93013, 93048 and 93061 written on or after 1 July 2025 must meet the new referral requirements. More information is available on MBS Online and the RACGP’s advocacy page.
Latest updates in Alzheimer’s disease research
Webinar: Tuesday 16 September, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
This webinar series, presented by RACGP Specific Interests in collaboration with Dementia Training Australia, features specialists in a conversational interview covering several important topics in dementia.
The second webinar will discuss the focus on the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease research specifically, but may also talk about other research areas of interest. Professor Bruce Brew, neurologist from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney will be interviewed about research into treatments for dementia, what sort of treatments are undergoing trials and the different areas of research currently being investigated.
Professor Brew, who is actively involved in trials and research, will also talk about the importance of research to improve treatment for people living with dementia, how to get people involved in trials, and what are the current research areas of focus.
Evidence-based complementary therapies for longevity
Webinar: Monday 15 September, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
RACGP Specific Interests Integrative Medicine Chair, Dr Tamara Nation, will provide ideas on practical ways to implement quality improvement initiatives into practice. Integrative medical doctor, Professor Ian Brighthope, will discuss maximising health span versus lifespan and lifestyle with an integrative medicine approach.
This session will explore examples of the key criteria GPs can focus on for quality improvement or change in relation to integrative medicine, as well as the CPD Measuring Outcomes tool; what it is, where to find it and how to use it.
Upcoming conference: Primary Care, Digitally Connected
Date: Tuesday 21 October
Venue: Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney, Gadigal Country
Register online
The RACGP is a program partner of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health’s upcoming Primary Care, Digitally Connected conference. This one-day event will bring together GPs, practice teams, policymakers and innovators to explore:
- the evolution of Medicare to support digitally enabled models of care
- ethical use of health data in a connected system
- new models of care that prioritise integration, access and patient outcomes.
Join likeminded peers to explore how digital tools, data, and policy are reshaping the way care is delivered across Australia. Discounted early-bird tickets are available up until 11.59 pm (AEST), Sunday 21 September.
Log in below to join the conversation.
allied health Chronic Condition Management Plan chronic disease management dementia integrative medicine letters referral
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